Here’s the statement released by the Ateneo de Manila University.
Two student-athletes from Ateneo de Manila University passed away due to drowning, and here’s the statement of the institution.
Young guns Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia from Ateneo de Manila University faced tragedy, leading to their untimely deaths. The school confirmed their deaths on Monday evening, June 8, through an official statement.
The Ateneo men’s basketball team’s young guns, 21-year-old Adili and 19-year-old Baterbonia, were both members of the Blue Eagles program. The tragedy struck during their team-building activity held this Monday afternoon in Dipaculao, Aurora.
“The entire Ateneo community mourns the loss of Rene and Divine. The University extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones,” the school wrote in the statement.
“We ask the community to keep them in their prayers during this most difficult time,” it added.
The university said it is extending assistance to the families of Baterbonia and Adili, as well as to their teammates, during this difficult time.
Ateneo also appealed for privacy as the community mourns their loss.
Information on the wake and funeral arrangements will be released at a later date in coordination with the families of the two athletes.
Baterbonia, a native of Agusan del Sur, played a key role in Davao’s historic first basketball championship at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where he was named Most Valuable Player. The 6-foot-4 standout, who previously played for Ateneo de Davao, also helped the Davao Eagles secure a first runner-up finish in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa.
Baterbonia later transferred to Ateneo de Manila University and was expected to suit up for the school in Season 89 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Adili, a 6-foot-10 Nigerian center, competed for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 88. Persistent back issues limited his appearances during the campaign, but his return provided a significant boost to the team. Ateneo snapped a five-game losing streak after he rejoined the lineup and eventually finished the season with a 6-8 record.
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